Patient Education Term Category: Heel Problems

Spurs are outgrowths of bone. In the feet, they most commonly occur in the heel. The spurs usually develop in areas subjected to constant pressure. Bone spurs can become problematic when pain and other foot problems crop up as a result of footwear pressing and rubbing against the affected area, causing irritation, redness, swelling, and […]

Heel fissures, or cracks in the skin of the heel, occur due to the area being subjected to constant pressure and friction. The heel is also susceptible to dry skin and calluses. Superficial cracks that do not penetrate deeply into the skin’s surface can be treated with thick creams to provide moisture. Deeper heel fissures […]

Calluses, or thickened skin, result from on-going friction or pressure on a particular area of skin. Heel or plantar calluses cause irritation and pain as the thickened skin continues to be exposed to pressure or rub against footwear. Orthotic inserts and properly fitting footwear can prevent and alleviate calluses. For cases of heel callus resulting […]

Haglund’s deformity, or “pump bump,” is a hard, bony enlargement on the back of the heel. Also called retrocalcaneal bursitis, Haglund’s deformity causes pain when footwear rubs against the protruding bone growth, irritating and inflaming the surrounding soft tissue. Bursitis can develop as a result of Haglund’s deformity and irritation to the area. Rigid-backed footwear, […]

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, the fibrous tissue that runs along the arch of the foot to connect the heel bone and ball of the forefoot. Heel spurs are not the same as plantar fasciitis; however, the two conditions are associated. Since the plantar fascia is subjected to great amounts of impact […]